“For example, Dutch player Kevin Strootman is really sought-after in Italy, but the semi-final showed we are better than the Dutch, as we beat them.

“The clubs must have faith in young Italian players. If you give the young foreign imports a chance, then why not a young Italian who has a silver medal in the European Under-21 Championship?

“I would’ve appreciated returning to Inter and playing in Serie A, but there were no concrete options for me in Italy.

“When Bayer Leverkusen offered me a four-year contract, I couldn’t turn it down. There is disappointment at not playing in Serie A, but I am much happier to have the opportunity of playing in the Champions League.”